John R. Hammond (R), Incumbent

October 31, 1985

Government affairs analyst, United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company; holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; chairman of the city's Finance Committee since 1977, during which time the city implemented balanced budgeting, generated operating surplus, reformed its pension plan and improved its bond rating; led successful challenge to Anne Arundel County's method of taxing Annapolis residents, resulting in $1 million in tax refunds. There are two primary, coequal tasks that need to be accomplished: 1) continuation of the city's sound fiscal policies and 2) aggressive implementation of the city's new comprehensive plan. First, while we have taken great strides over the past eight years to improve and guarantee the fiscal integrity of our government, the challenge is to continue the effort of providing necessary services at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayers. This must be done in the context of the New Federalism, which will require less dependence on federal funds. Second, the city has recently adopted an imaginative and thoughtful Comprehensive Plan for the future of Annapolis, but unless its proposals (i.e., protection of residential neighborhoods, a commercial management district, a balanced transportation plan) are promptly implemented, its promises will remain unfulfilled. My experience in financial and zoning matters will best ensure the accomplishment of these tasks.